Casiotone for the Painfully Alone was the lo-fi solo project of songwriter Owen Ashworth, blending Bright Eyes-style balladry with Atom & His Package's quirky antics. Ashworth's sound evolved from his debut in 1999 with Answering Machine Music to the more instrumentally diverse Pocket Symphonies for Lonesome Subway Cars in 2001, and further expanded with Twinkle Echo in 2003 and Etiquette in 2006. After releasing the diverse Vs. Children in 2009, Ashworth retired Casiotone for the Painfully Alone in 2010 and began the new project Advance Base in 2011, showcasing his growth as a songwriter and arranger.

Ashworth's contributions extend beyond his solo work, as he has also collaborated with Mark Kozelek's band Sun Kil Moon. Known for his clever lyrics and blend of sarcasm and earnestness, Ashworth's music journey has been marked by a progression from electronic to more traditional instruments, reflecting his evolving artistry and musical exploration.